Precision Agriculture on the move by Ika Fergus

Precision Agriculture on the move

By Ika Fergus
Extension Officer
Agricultural Extension Division (AED)

Amidst the vagaries of the changing climate and weather pattern, coupled with the escalating cost of production inputs and the increased prevalence of Praedial Larceny, our Agriculture sector continues to face unprecedented challenges relative to its output and productivity.

Invariably, farmers have been disproportionately impacted by these exigencies, and this cascade of consequences continue to threaten not only the livelihoods security of farmers, but the sustainable development of Agri-food systems on a whole. Considering these factors, Agriculture has to become modernized. This means that our farmers have to move from the traditional mode of production to one based on science and modern technology. Precision Agriculture or Smart Farming could be one of the solutions to combat this dilemma.

At just 20 years old, Michael Joseph; a young farmer and drone pilot, has emerged as an important operative in Precision Agriculture by offering Drone support services to farmers. This includes Fertilizer, Pesticide and Herbicide spraying applications, which has significantly helped some crop producers to optimize field management by reducing operational costs, improving crop quality, and maximizing yields.
Although this technology is still relatively at a nascent stage, according to the youngster, it has garnered traction in the farming communities in recent times, as prominent farmers are becoming increasingly appreciative of this precise and efficient approach to farming.

With all the convenience and intelligence that drones provide in agricultural activities, this technology provides promising prospect to revolutionize the Agricultural sector in our twin island state. The youth will play a key role in this thrust, as their passion, energy and idealism make them an important stakeholder in these modern innovations. However, only through our coordinated and ambitious actions and efforts across policies, science and technology, will bring the changes needed to achieve sustainable development of the sector, while upholding the livelihood security of our farmers.